Research Scientist

Los Angeles, CAFull-time$117k–$135kPosted Aug 6, 2026

Research Scientist
Center for Effective Organization

USC Marshall School of Business

Since its founding in 1979, the Center for Effective Organizations (CEO), a research center in the USC Marshall School of Business, is world-renowned for its breakthrough research and insights on organizational performance, effectiveness and talent management. Today, CEO is at the forefront, discovering and creating the latest knowledge in the design and management of organizations for companies that range from mid-sized to the Global 500. Our research scientists and practitioners have extensive experience bridging research and practice in organization design, change and transformation.

CEO distinguishes itself from other applied research centers and consulting organizations by partnering with organizations to rigorously assess the relevant and strategic issues facing them, applying proven interventions guided by that assessment, and evaluating the effectiveness of the engagement. For more information on the Center for Effective Organizations, visit: https://ceo.usc.edu/

Responsibilities and Duties

A Research Scientist is both a scholar and consultant. They bridge the gap between academic theory and practical business strategy. Research Scientists work closely with corporate sponsors and Fortune 500 organizations to improve organization design, talent strategy, and workforce performance.

Research Design & Data Execution:

Formulate research studies independently on key topics such as organization design, workforce agility, people analytics, organizational transformation, business processes and AI transformation.
Collect complex data sets using methods like quantitative surveys, executive interviews, and direct organizational diagnostics.
Analyze workplace patterns to identify trends in team behavior, leadership efficacy, and structural flaws in the organization design.
Oversee compliance guidelines for human subject research and data privacy to maintain institutional integrity.

Corporate Partnership & Executive Consulting:

Partner with executives at large organizations to align their organizational structures with strategic goals.
Develop actionable tools and operational frameworks that companies can use to manage internal change.
Deliver diagnostic feedback directly to corporate sponsors and clients based on data collection from projects
Facilitate interactive workshops and strategy sessions to help companies test new organizational theories.
Facilitate in-person and online custom and public workshops and labs for executive teams

Dissemination of Knowledge & Thought Leadership:

Publish scientific papers, and practitioner-focused articles and editorials in top-tier journals and business, management, and human resource outlets.
Write industry reports or papers intended for senior executives and C-suite readers.
Present research findings at major academic conferences and industry executive forums.
Host public webinars and education sessions to broadcast cutting-edge theories to the management community.

Funding & Program Management:

Support business development and secure external funding through corporate sponsorships, projects, foundation grants, and research contracts.
Manage project timelines and budgets for corporate projects and research initiatives.
Collaborate with networks of global scholars, affiliated faculty, and industry leaders through serving on boards and attending conferences.

Preferred Qualifications:

Academic & Educational Background

Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Management, or highly related quantitative social science field.
Active publishing track record with articles featured in top-tier management and behavioral journals, and practitioner-focused outlets.

Research & Analytical Expertise:

Advanced quantitative and qualitative skills
Proficiency in use of LLM tools
Expertise in organization design and people analytics

Corporate & Consulting Experience:

Executive-level presentation skills with a proven ability to translate complex data into practical, actionable business strategies.
Corporate background working directly with CHROs, CEOs, and senior leadership teams at Fortune 500-level companies.
Proven fundraising history with a track record of securing corporate sponsorships, research grants, and external funding contracts

Leadership & Project Mastery

Independent project management experience and supervisory experience managing staff

Anticipated Hiring Range:

The annual base salary range for this position is $117,128.22 - $135,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Required Documents and Additional Information

Resume and cover letter required (may be uploaded as one file).
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
USC has excellent benefits, including health benefits for staff and their family with access to the renowned university medical network; eligibility for retirement plans with employer contributions*; tuition benefits for staff and their family; free Professional Development classes; central Los Angeles location with easy access to commuter trains, buses and free tram pick up services; discounts to sporting and other campus events.

Why join the USC Marshall School of Business?

The USC Marshall School of Business is ideally positioned to address the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment and is ranked as one of the country’s top schools for accounting, finance, marketing, consulting, entrepreneurship and international business studies.

USC Marshall builds on the unique opportunities that stem from its Los Angeles location on the Pacific Rim, its interdisciplinary and impactful research, the momentum generated by the University of Southern California, and the unparalleled engagement of the Trojan Alumni Family. With ready access to industries defining the new business frontier, including bio-technology, life sciences, media, entertainment, communications and healthcare, this vast network offers USC Marshall graduates exceptionally strong support for success in the global marketplace.

For more information on the USC Marshall School of Business, visit: www.marshall.usc.edu.

Minimum Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Minimum Experience: 5 years

Minimum Skills: Directly related education and experience in research specialization with highly advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, analysis methods, principles, theories and concepts. Demonstrated leadership in developing new ideas and ability to publish in appropriate academic and practitioner outlets. Demonstrated independent thinking and leadership in scholarly writing according established criteria (e.g., first-authored publications, conceptual leadership in the development of publications generated alone or with others, writing of first drafts of publications and/or single-authored publications).

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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